Tips for Applying for Nursing

View some handy hints and tips when completing your application for one of our pre-registration Nursing programes

Division of Health

nurse woman masks couch hands

Pre-registration Nursing

The University of Waikato offers two pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse. The Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) is a three year programme and the Master of Nursing Practice (MNursPrac) is two years for those who already have an undergraduate degree.

The Application Process

  1. Application to enrol to be completed online

    During your application to enrol you will be asked to provide:

    - A personal statement
    - The details of 2x referees
    - An NZ police vetting form and two forms of ID
    - International Police vetting if you have lived overseas for at least 12 months in the last 7 years 

  2. Applications close

    Applications for admission to our 2025 Nursing programmes will close on 31 August 2024. Your referee reports and Police Vetting must be submitted prior to this date in order for your application to be considered. 

  3. Selection Committee meets

    Selection of applicants is based on both academic background and suitability for nursing. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Our Selection Committee will process applications during September. Students will be assessed based on the information provided during their application and their referee reports. If any additional information or an interview is required then the applicant will be contacted directly  

  4. Decisions on selection made and communicated

    We intend to update all applicants in October with our decisions. Applicants will be informed that they either:

    a) Will be offered a place on the programme
    b) Will be placed on the waitlist
    c) Will not be issued an offer

    Please remember we have limited spaces and large numbers of applicants and some strong applicants may miss out on a place on the programme. 

    Some applicants will be offered places, conditional on their NCEA, other academic results, or English. Any additional requirements will be communicated in full at the time. 

Tips for Applying

Personal Statement

You are required to submit a personal statement with your online application. This statement should include a paragraph on each of the following:

  • Outline why you want to become a Nurse
  • Describe any personal qualities or aspects of you life experience that could enhance your application
  • Detail your commitment to the programme and attending clinical placements (which will include travel to the greater Waikato area). 

Referees

Part of the online application to enrol is providing the details of two referees who will complete referee reports. 

Good choices can include:

  • A teacher who knows you well
  • Sports/Drama coach/Youth group leader
  • An employer

Make sure it is not a partner, close friend or relative!

Handy hint: We send a virtual form to your referees once your application is submitted, so let them know to keep an eye on their inbox and spam folder!

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Details

If you have any questions or need help, please contact us.

Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science